Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The 3rd State-Level Ranbhaji Festival will be held on Saturday, 19th July, at Lata Mangeshkar Kalangan (Ravindra Bhavan) in Chaudi, Canacona. Organized by the Balram Charitable Trust (BCT) in association with the Goa State Biodiversity Board and the Directorate of Agriculture, the festival aims to celebrate and preserve Goa’s traditional wild vegetables—locally known as “Ranbhaji”—which are naturally available only during the monsoon season.
The festival will showcase a wide variety of 43 types of Ranbhaji through more than 550 unique preparations. This year, the event has received a record 182 registrations, surpassing last year’s participation. The entries include 139 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), 20 Anganwadis, and 23 high schools. Each participating group will present three different Ranbhaji-based dishes, along with accompanying traditional staples such as chapati, bakri, polle, or sanna that complement the specific type of Ranbhaji.
Speaker and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar, who introduced the concept of the Ranbhaji Festival two years ago, has been declared the Brand Ambassador of Ranbhaji by BCT. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tawadkar emphasized that Ranbhaji is not just a culinary tradition but a vital part of Goa’s heritage. He called for the younger generation to embrace these wild, seasonal vegetables, which are known for their rich organic and medicinal properties.
A key highlight of the festival will be the release of a compact book on Ranbhaji, featuring details and recipes for each preparation. Visitors will be able to view the ingredients and cooking methods at each display stall, making it easier to replicate the dishes at home. In addition, college students will conduct live cooking demonstrations of select Ranbhaji recipes. To further raise awareness among the youth, 12 schools will present dramatic performances titled “Ranbhaji Natya,” portraying the significance of these vegetables through engaging storytelling and theatre.
The festival will be graced by several dignitaries including MP (Rajya Sabha) Sadanand Shet Tanawade, BJP State President Damu Naik, CMC Chairperson Sara Naik Desai, Chaudi Councilor Ramakant Naikgaunkar, Goa Biodiversity Board Member Secretary Pradeep Saramukadom, and Director of Agriculture Sandeep Phaldesai. Noted environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Chaitram Pawar, who has shown a strong interest in the Ranbhaji movement, will also attend the event with his team.
To recognize the culinary talents of participants, prizes will be awarded in two categories—Open Category (for SHGs and Anganwadis) and School Category. Each category will have three main cash prizes: ₹10,000 for first place, ₹7,500 for second, and ₹5,000 for third, along with two consolation prizes of ₹2,000 each.
The festival will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude by 1:00 PM. Coordination efforts are being led by Shristhal BMC, Agonda BMC, and Poinguinim BMC to ensure the smooth execution of the event. The organizing team includes Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, Organizing Secretary Shirish Pai, Project Convenor Savita Tawadkar, and Organizing Chairman/Shirshtal BMC Chairman Vinay Tubki.
Local wild vegetables to be featured include Kudduke Bhaji, Taikilo, Tero, Suyechi Bhaji, Surnna Bhaji, Harpule Bhaji, Jinyea Bhaji, Bagate Bhaji, Navlle Bhaji, Tambdi Panavell, Ek-Pana Bhaji, Kheell, Pendare, Amrut-val, Teell Bhaji, Sasve Bhaji, Shirmundali, Kayr, Kuddo, Tenya Bhaji, Kat Amboli, Kharchangi, Amte Bhaji, Vayvellangam, Gunduri, Teri, Loothi Bhaji, Ankur, Mundalli, Faglam, Chudte Bhaji, Vatalu, Piyu Bhaji, Ran-kell, Vagate Bhaji, Ran-Karmal, Koite Bhaji, Ran-Vaimgim, Charrcharr Vali Bhaji, Ghothi Shero, and Ran-Hallad.
With its mix of traditional food, culture, theatre, and community participation, the 3rd Ranbhaji Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Goa’s rich biodiversity and culinary heritage.
